Norway has once again claimed the CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup title, becoming the first nation to secure back-to-back victories in the men`s tournament. Their triumph in the 2025 edition concluded on Sunday in Espinho, Portugal.
Anders Mol and Christian Sørum spearheaded Norway`s victorious campaign in Portugal.
The `Beach Volley Vikings` displayed exceptional dominance throughout the event, held from Thursday to Sunday at Praia da Baía. This victory marks their return to the top podium, having previously won the inaugural edition in Vienna, Austria, in 2022.
In the thrilling final series, Norway faced the Netherlands. After both countries secured one win each in the initial matches, the championship was decided by a decisive golden set. This win places Norway alongside Germany as the champions of this year’s tournament.
The Netherlands initially took the lead in the final. Rio Olympic bronze medalist Alexander Brouwer and Paris Olympian Steven van de Velde defeated Hendrik Mol and Mathias Berntsen in straight sets (21-11, 21-17) in the opening match.
The second match saw an unfortunate turn when Dutch defender Yorick de Groot sustained an injury during the first set, forcing him and partner Stefan Boermans to forfeit. This handed Olympic, world, and four-time European champions Anders Mol and Christian Sørum a walkover victory, leveling the series.
With the series tied, a golden set was played to determine the champions. Both nations opted for mixed lineups: Boermans and Brouwer represented the Netherlands, while Anders Mol teamed up with Berntsen for Norway. The Norwegians ultimately prevailed with a 15-12 victory, clinching the title.
This victory in Espinho also secured Norway an additional berth in the upcoming 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship, scheduled to take place from November 14-23 in Australia, via the continental pathway.
Earlier in the semifinals, Norway had decisively overcome Spain with two straight-set victories, while the Netherlands advanced by defeating Austria in a three-set and a straight-set match.
Introduced to the European beach volleyball calendar in 2022, the Beach Nations Cup is an exciting `country vs. country` team competition, mirroring the format of tennis`s Davis Cup.
